Fort Lee Museum facts for kids
The Fort Lee Museum is a cool place in Fort Lee, New Jersey. It's on Palisade Avenue, right inside Monument Park. This museum opened in April 1999. The Fort Lee Historical Society runs it. The museum was closed from 2020 to 2022 because of the Covid pandemic. It has not opened its doors again yet.
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The Museum Building
The building where the museum is located has another name: the Judge Moore House. It was built in 1922. The outside of the building is made from a special rock called bluestone. This stone came from the Hudson Palisades, which are the big cliffs Fort Lee sits on. In 1989, there were plans to tear down the building. But people in the community stepped in and saved it! The town then bought the building.
What You Can See Inside
The museum has many interesting collections. They tell the long story of Fort Lee and the towns nearby. You can learn about important events like the Battle of Fort Lee. This was a big battle during the American Revolution. The museum also shows how America's first motion picture industry started right here. You can also discover facts about the famous George Washington Bridge. And don't forget the fun history of Palisades Amusement Park!
Monument Park's History
Monument Park is a very special place. The Daughters of the American Revolution built it. It was officially opened in 1908. A famous general named John "Black Jack" Pershing was there for the ceremony. This park was once part of Fort Constitution. This was a fort used by the Continental Army during the American Revolution. General George Washington led these soldiers. Over 2,600 troops were stationed in and around the Monument Park area.
In 2004, the park was rebuilt for Fort Lee's 100th birthday party. A time capsule was buried at the bottom of the monument. This capsule will be opened in the year 2104. That's when Fort Lee celebrates its 200th birthday! Monument Park is one of only two parks in the United States. These parks are dedicated to the soldiers of the American Revolution. The other park is Continental Army Plaza in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The Historic Preservation Committee is thinking about making Monument Park a historic district. This would help protect its history even more.
Shakespeare in the Park
The Hudson Shakespeare Company puts on a special show. They have a Shakespeare in the Park festival right next to the museum. They have been doing this since 2007. The Fort Lee Film Commission helps them put on these plays.
See also
- Fort Lee Historic Park
- Barrymore Film Center
